Appeal court refuses to revoke bail for B.C. man wanted on drug charges in U.S.

The B.C. Appeal Court has rejected a bid to revoke the bail of a B.C. man pending an extradition hearing to the U.S. on drug charges.

In a written decision Monday, Justice Jo-Ann Prowse dismissed the application by the attorney general of Canada on behalf of the U.S., saying she was not convinced that the Supreme Court decision in the case of Sean William Doak involved “reversible error” or justified being overturned.

Doak was released on bail on May 4, pending an extradition hearing set for Dec. 12-14, for his alleged role as a principal player in a conspiracy from 2007 to 2009 to transport MDMA (ecstasy) and marijuana to remote locations in the U.S. in exchange for cocaine to be transported back to Canada, Prowse said.

“The organization is said to have been highly sophisticated, using encrypted communications, code names, helicopters and human couriers” to move the drugs, she said.

The Supreme Court imposed strict bail conditions on Doak, including $200,000 in sureties; regular bail reporting; residence requirements with a curfew from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., seven days a week; no-contact provisions; surrender of passport; that he remain within the jurisdiction of the court; and that he abstain from the consumption or possession of any drugs, other than prescribed medication. “The two sureties are his parents, who are of modest means, and who have used their home as security,” Prowse added.

She added that Doak has “many supervisors looking over his shoulder for any indication that he is at risk for breaching any of the many conditions which secure his release.”

The Supreme Court “made a judgment call,” based on various factors that included not just Doak’s serious outstanding charges and history as a convicted drug trafficker, but the fact that corrections authorities found him to be a good candidate for parole and that he is entitled to a presumption of innocence.

The attorney general argued there is a substantial likelihood of Doak, 37, reoffending if released and that bail conditions cannot limit the risk of that happening.

lpynn@vancouversun.com

Share

Appeal court refuses to revoke bail for B.C. man wanted on drug charges in U.S.

Saskatoon loves its Christmas lights. The Enchanted Forest draws thousands of vehicles each week. The late Bob Hinitt worked for months building his light display, which drew thousands of cars each year to Wiggins Avenue. And Scott Lambie on Clinkskill Drive has continued the tradition with more than 70,000 dancing lights (up from 50,000 last […]

When it comes to gift giving, they say it’s the thought that counts. But many are wondering if Mayor Drew Dilkens was thinking at all when he gave Olympic superstar Michael Phelps — whose battles with booze are well known — a big bottle of Canadian Club whisky.

Almost Done!

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.